India awaits a new head coach T20 World Cup

India's World Cup campaigns have failed in the past few attempts, despite being packed with cricketing heavyweights the team has faced continuous failure on the big stage. Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of the men's national team failed to get his hand on the World Cup trophy despite a strong start to the tournament. However, his tenure was reportedly extended till the T20 World Cup by BCCI.

On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) summoned the applications for the role of Head coach of the men's National team. The deadline for the application was announced as 27 May. It is to be noted that the tenure of the new coach will begin on July 1st (after the T20 World Cup) and will end on 31st Dec 2027, covering the One-day World Cup.

Rahul Dravid has one last chance to prove his worth in the T20 World Cup, Dravid was appointed as the head coach of the Men's National Cricket team in 2021 but hasn't won any major trophy in this role so it is a golden opportunity for him to end his tenure with an ICC trophy. 

Jay Shah, the secretary of BCCI mentioned in his announcement that Dravid will have to reapply for the role if he wishes for an extension. However, Dravid hasn't shown any interest in the extension.

It's been some time since the Indian cricket team had a foreign coach leading the way. The last three coaches—Ravi Shastri, Anil Kumble, and Rahul Dravid—were all former Indian cricketers. It's noteworthy that the last time India clinched a World Cup was under South African coach Gary Kirsten in 2011, and the last ICC trophy was secured under Duncan Fletcher in 2013

Team India awaits a new head coach, T20 World Cup
Image from mykhel

There is a slight possibility that India might turn to a foreign coach to break this trophy drought. Stephen Fleming, former Kiwi skipper and CSK's current head coach could be a great choice for the role if he applies for it. Fleming has a wonderful career as the head coach of CSK helping the team to win five titles.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian Cricketer and the current mentor of KKR in IPL is another suitable candidate for the role. However, Gambhir is a bit inexperienced for the role but he is known for his tactics and strategies. Since joining KKR as the mentor this year he has changed the fortune of the franchise. KKR who were struggling last season is currently at the top of the table. Gambhir was an experienced captain as he has helped his franchise to win two IPL trophies.

Last month, India announced its squad for the T20 World Cup, which is to be played in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to 29. The squad received a mixed reaction from the fans on social media where some people were criticizing the selection of Jaiswal over Gaikwad and Gill, and some appreciated the selection of Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson. Fans were unhappy with the exclusion of Rinku Sing from the squad. 

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